India’s expanding maritime footprint in the Indo-Pacific

The symbolism of travelling from Jakarta to Melbourne was unmistakable. Indonesia represents ASEAN’s political centre and the maritime gateway connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Australia is India’s most trusted strategic partner in the southern Indo-Pacific and a key member of Quad. Together, these visits demonstrated that New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific vision is no longer confined to diplomatic rhetoric; it is increasingly being translated into defence cooperation, maritime partnerships, critical mineral supply chains and regional institution-building. The Indonesia leg was particularly significant. India and Indonesia elevated cooperation across defence, critical minerals, agriculture and maritime security, while concluding a landmark agreement for…